Dear Friends,

During the past 7 years, Jason and I have been drawn to gardening and growing our own food a lot more. After spending more time on the computer than we'd prefer, time with plants, birds, trees, bees, and getting our hands literally in the earth feels grounding and supportive for our nervous system. It feels nourishing overall.

As we spent time observing, learning - to what works and doesn't work when growing our own food - and tuning in to the needs of each plant, the soil, and the seasons, it didn't take us long before the Earth and the plants began to teach us of its rhythm, intelligence and its deep connection to us.

When my father was unwell with leukemia, we became astutely aware of the abundance of a plant called cleavers (Galium aparine) starting to grow around the property. According to Dr Nicole Apelian, in her book 'The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies' cleavers can be used to "detoxify the body, drain the lymphatic system, and swollen glands: cleavers are a diauretic. They work well to remove toxins from the body and to clean the lymphatic system."

My mother had a major surgery a few years ago and that year we noticed a surge of california poppies growing everywhere around the house. These aided in supporting her nervous system and sleep troubles that she was dealing with.

Last year, we saw an abundance of wild chamomile, as well as lemon balm, and we recognized that we'd all benefit greatly from the calming and sedative properties that the Earth offered us through the gifts that these plants are. So we used them in teas regularly. So easy to do, and so easy to grow as they are hardy plants!

And this year, what I'm noticing now is the prevalence of feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) in the garden. Since I've been getting frequent headaches these days, the numerous bushes of this plant in the garden makes sense as a supportive herb. The Earth is so intelligent, and so generously offers her love and support.

If you haven't spent much time in the outdoors, we invite you to look around you... in your yard surrounding your home, your streets as you walk around, your nearest park. What is growing in your near vicinity?

What we've noticed is that the 'weed' that is growing around us is that which Nature knows would be beneficial in supporting our body and mind, and also aiding in cleaning out the toxins from our air and soil.

For example, while trekking through Peru, the locals there taught us that though the high regions caused altitude sickness, it was only within those same regions where the remedy could be found: coca as well as muña leaves to make tea with.

And if you're ever picking stinging nettle to consume or make tea with (watch for our newsletter next week as we'll share more on this yummy snack that our kids love as well), and you happen to get the sting, chances are you may find a dock plant near it which can be used to take away the sting.

We encourage you to pick up a book that speaks of indigenous uses of plants in your area and get to know what Nature is serving for your health and wellness. Pictured above are a few of our favourites.

As we have with our own young children, we invite you to look for local (or if not available, then online) workshops offered by community elders, trusted herbalists or nature lovers who are knowledgeable about plants and their uses.

Since we've tapped into this ongoing communication, between the Earth and our own biointelligence, we've realized that this line has always been there and open for us to learn and benefit from. This understanding has filled both Jason and I with so much genuine love, appreciation and reverence for Nature and our planet Earth. We've also noticed that such genuine feelings of spontaneous gratitude actually multiply the abundance from Nature.

Thus dear friends, we no longer call these loving plants 'weed'. They are an ally and an amazing support system for all of us.

In gratitude,

Téa & Jason

inspirelife.earth

This communication is intended for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We speak of our own direct experience. Always seek the guidance of a healthcare provider, with any questions regarding personal health concerns.

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